Getting around Reykjavik

Public transport

The main provider of buses is the Reykjavík Bus Service (Strætó) (tel: +354 540 2700; www.straeto.is). The main bus stations are located at Hlemmur and Laekjartorg. You can pay for fares with cash (must be exact change), bus cards or using a mobile app. You can also purchase a book of 20 tickets, or buy a one-day or three-day pass.

For tourists, it's recommended to purchase a Reykjavík City Card which offers unlimited transport on buses within the city area, along with free entry to many museums, galleries, thermal pools and saunas. Available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, you can buy the City Card online or in many hotels across Reykjavík.

Taxis

Taxis are metered and charge standard fares. Tipping is not expected. It is not common to hail a taxi in the street. Instead, taxi services can be called to arrange a pick-up or can be found at a number of taxi stands around the city. Recommended taxi firms include BSR (tel: +354 561 0000) and Hréyfill (tel: +354 588 5522).

Driving

With a small city centre and an efficient bus service, it's not really necessary to use a car to get around Reykjavik. Furthermore, the cost of car hire is enough to put most people off. Those that do drive, however, will find it a pleasurable experience.

Traffic is not heavy, there is little congestion (the heaviest build-up of traffic is around 2300 in the centre of the city, when the locals head out for a night on the town) and Icelandic drivers are considerate towards other road users. Parking in the city is easy, with metered spaces. Alternatively, there are several multi-storey car parks and plenty of larger car parks.

Car hire

Hiring a car in Reykjavik is prohibitively expensive. In addition to the hire price, VAT is charged at 24.5% and there are compulsory charges for insurance and petrol. Most car hire companies have a minimum age limit of 23 years and a foreign driver's licence is accepted.

Car hire companies include Avis (tel: +354 591 4000; www.avis.is), Budget (tel: +354 562 6060; www.budget.is), Europcar (tel: +354 568 6915; www.europcar.is) and Hertz (tel: +354 522 4400; www.hertz.is).

Bicycle hire

Reykjavik's flat topography makes cycling one of the best ways of getting around. The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club (tel: +354 562 0099; www.fjallahjolaklubburinn.is), based in Reykjavik, offers advice on cycling around the country, which is a tough and gruelling experience.

You can hire bikes from Borgarhjol Bike Rental, Hverfisgata 50 (tel: +354 551 5653; www.borgarhjol.is).